After snatching home-ice advantage back with a Game 3 win over the Nashville Predators, the Vancouver Canucks will now try to take a stranglehold of this Round 1 series before heading back to Vancouver.
With so much on the line, my Canucks vs Predators predictions outline why the Under highlights my NHL picks for this April 28 tilt.
Canucks vs Predators prediction
My best bet
Under 5.5 (-105 at SIA)
My analysis
The Vancouver Canucks look almost unrecognizable from the free-flowing, offense-generating squad that was sixth in scoring during the regular season.
Averaging under 20 shots per game in the series, Vancouver mustered a series-low 12 shots in Game 3 but made enough of them to support Casey DeSmith and escape with a win.
The difference for the Canucks was their stars showed up. Both Brock Boeser and J.T. Miller lit the lamp for the first time this series, while Elias Pettersson picked up his first point with an assist.
Vancouver also broke through on the power play, connecting twice in three chances after generating nothing on six tries in Games 1 and 2. Frustrated by the number of pucks that couldn’t reach Juuse Saros, the Canucks returned the favor in Game 3, blocking 28 Nashville Predators shots.
Nashville’s powerplay also failed to connect, going 0-for-5. The Predators are now just 1-for-13 in the series, as Vancouver ranks second in the playoffs with a 92.3% kill rate.
A Dakota Johnson empty-net goal in Game 1 is the tally from keeping every game in this series from going Under the total.
It’s been tight sledding with little time and space for the skill players on both teams to operate, and whatever offense is generated is getting blocked before the goalies have to put in work.
Until this blanket-style defense gets lifted and the special teams start heating up, there’s no reason to go against the low-scoring betting trend here.
Canucks vs Predators same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 5.5
Predators moneyline
Filip Forsberg anytime goal
While Vancouver has won two straight games at Bridgestone overall, the Predators played well enough to win at home in Game 3. In fact, the Canucks’ win was only Nashville’s second home loss in regulation in its last 12 games, with a 9-1-2 record over that span.
The Preds haven't lost back-to-back games at home since Feb 13 & 15, so they’re well equipped to bounce back.
Despite being held off the scoresheet for just the fourth time in his last 20 games, Filip Forsberg was still among the most productive generators of offense for the Predators. His four shots on goal tied for the team with Luke Evangelista (Nashville's lone Game 3 goal scorer) and Ryan O’Reilly.
Forsberg — who was sixth in goal scoring this year with 48 — has only been held goalless in back-to-back games once over his last 20 games.
If Nashville is to even this series, Forsberg getting involved should be a good bet.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Canucks vs Predators odds
Canucks vs Predators live odds
Canucks vs Predators opening odds
- Puck line: Vancouver -1.5 (-200) | Nashville +1.5 (-275)
- Moneyline: Vancouver -105 | Nashville -115
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-130) | Under (+100)
Canucks vs Predators moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- Nashville has just one regulation loss in its last 11 home games.
- The Canucks have won each of their last four games as underdogs against the Predators.
- The Under has cashed in two of three games in this series and is currently set at 5.5.
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Canucks vs Predators trend
The Predators have gone Under the total in four of their last six games. Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Predators.
Canucks vs Predators game info
| Location: | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN |
| Date: | Sunday, 4-28-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 5:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, TBS |
Canucks vs Predators latest injuries
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